This means that the IND assesses all residence permit applications submitted by people looking to move to the Netherlands or obtain Dutch citizenship. These people include refugees fleeing their home country and seeking asylum, or people planning to work or study in the Netherlands, or reunite with family members already living here.

Other situations include residents who have been living in the Netherlands for so long that they consider themselves Dutch. They can obtain a Dutch passport under the IND's naturalisation procedures.

Any decisions made can have a major impact on people's lives, which is why the IND is meticulous about how it makes these decisions.

The IND ensures that foreign nationals eligible for a residence permit receive the correct type of permit. It's also important that any information you submit to the IND is accurate and complete. This should be no surprise, as the IND has to make a decision based on this information. Applications may be refused or permits revoked if the IND discovers that you've provided inaccurate information.

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service is a partner of Business.gov.nl.